Key tag

ABSTRACT

A key tag including a holder molded in a one-piece construction of a plastic material and having a first key ring mounted for permanent attachment on one end thereof and a second key ring removably mounted on the other end thereof, the second key ring including legs of flexing characteristics having end portions joined thereto that detachably engage the holder, the legs being flexed as required to disengage the end portions from the holder for selectively removing the second key ring from engagement with the holder.

United States Patent [1 1 Holland Dec, 11, 1973 [54] KEY TAG FOREIGN PATENTS 0R APPLlCATlONS 1 lnvenmri fi r wg gg g 1,203,337 8/1970 Great Britain 24/261 c ve., rans on, [22] Filed: Sept. 11, 1972 Primary Examiner-Robert L. Wolfe 1 pp No 288 088 Attorney-Elliot A. Salter et al.

{57] ABSTRACT 7fl/45tif; A key tag including a holder molded in a one piece Field 458 construction of a plastic material and having a first 70459- B 265 key ring mounted for permanent attachment on one S 3 73 end thereof and a second key ring removably mounted on the other end thereof, the second key ring including legs of flexing characteristics having end portions [56] References C'ted joined thereto that detachably engage the holder, the

UNITED STATES PATENTS legs being flexed as required to disengage the end por- 2,209,475 7/1940 Rawlings 24/237 tions from the holder for selectively removing the seclz gk ond key ring from engagement with the holder.

roc 3,620,057 11 mm Holland 70/456 R 5 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures v g /4' k PATENTEB DEC! 1 i973 FIG.2

IE .I

FlG.3

1 KEY TAG BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a key tag of the type that has a first key ring permanently secured thereto on which a plurality of keys are secured and that has a second key ring on which a selcted key is received, the second key ring'being removably secured to the key tag for use of the selected key apart from the key tag.

Key tags having releasable key rings have been used in various forms heretofore. Such take-apart key tags have included mechanical mechanisms that provide for interconnection of. the parts of the key tag by a mechanical locking device, or by snap-on devices having various kinds of fasteners or chains that provided for removal of a selected key from the main body portion of the key tag. In many of these prior known constructions, the parts were constructed of metal materials and usually included some form of a complicated locking mechanism that necessarily increased the cost of the device. In other take-apart key tags the materials were not of sufficient strength to withstand constant use and often-times deteriorated after only a short period of use. Thus, many of the prior known devices were either too complicated or expensive or were not sufficiently durable to provide a practical take-apart keytag for every day use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION keys for removable attachmentthereto. A second key ring formed of a metallic material is mounted for removable' attachment to the other end portion. The second key ring includes a bail-like member defined by opposed legs to which foot portions are joined having projections joined thereto. The projections as formed on thesecond key ring are normally located in predetermined spaced-apart relation and engage the other end portion of the key tag holder. Since the second key ring is formed of a metallic material, the legs of the second key ring have flexing characteristics that provide for biased movement thereof, so that the projections are detachably secured to the other of the end portions. The legs are easily flexed to remove the projections from engagement with the other of said end portions to separate the second key ring from the holder as desired.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a snap-apart key tag having a holder that is molded in a one-piece construction of a plastic material and having a key ring that is releasably connected thereto, the releasable key ring including a loop defined by legs that are flexed to remove the key ring from engagement with the holder.

Another object of the invention is to provide a key tag comprising a holder moldedin a one-piece construction of a plastic material and including a first key ring that is mounted for permanent attachment thereto and a second key ring formed of a metallic material having flexing characteristics and having projections that are engageable with the key tag holder, the projecproceeds when considered in connection with the 210- I companying illustrative drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the key tag embodied in the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the portion of the key tag to which the removable key ring is secured, the legs of the removable key ring being illustrated in a biased position for removal or attachment of the key ring to the key tag; and

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the removable key ring in the normal position thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawing, and particularly to FIG. 1, the key tag embodied in the present invention is generally indicated at 10 and includes a holder generally indicated at 12, which as illustrated, is formed in a one-piece construction that includes a body portion 14 to which reduced end portions 16 and 18 are integrally joined at opposed ends thereof. The holder 12 is preferably molded of a plastic material such as polyethylene; although, it is understood that any suitable plastic material can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. The body portion 14 of the holder 12 is illustrated as having a substantially rectangular configuration; although, it is again understood that the configuration of the body portion 14 is not critical to the invention and any geometric design as desired can be employed. The body portion 14 as molded is relatively rigid; although, it does have some flexing characteristics because of the inherent characteristics of the material from which it is molded. However, the thickness of the body portion 14 is controlled such that if it is bent, it will return to the original configuration thereof. It is further understood that the flat surfaces of the body portion are of sufficient area to enable any suitable indicia or lettering to be imprinted thereon.

As is apparent from the stated purpose of the invention and from the illustrations in the drawing, the device embodied herein provides a convenient key retainer and has provision for the permanent attachment of a first key ring and for the removable attachment of a second key ring. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the reduced end portion 16 is formed with an opening 20 therein through which a metallic collar 22 is inserted. The metallic collar 22 also encircles an end of a key ring 24 on which a plurality of keys 26 may be removably mounted. The collar 22 acts to permanently secure the key ring 24 to the holder of key tag 10, and the keys 26 as mounted on the key ring 24 are not normally intended to be disconnected from the key tag.

On occasion it is desirable to selectively disengage a key from the key tag, such as when it is necessary to leave a key in the ignition of an automobile for use by a parking lot attendant, or in other instances when it is necessary to remove the selected key from the key tag at frequent intervals. In order to provide for this arrangement, the end portion 18 of the holder 12 is formed with opposed recesses 28 and 30 as illustrated in FIG. 3. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a second key ring generally indicated at 32 is shaped and constructed for removable engagement with the end portion 18 of the holder 12, and for this purpose includes opposed legs 34 and 36 to which a bight portion 38 is integrally joined. Connected to the leg 34 at an obtuse angle therewith is a foot portion 40 having a reversely bent projection 42 joined thereto. Similarly, the foot portion 44 is joined to the leg 36 and has a reversely bent projection 46 joined thereto. The projections 42 and 46 are dimensioned so as to be received within the recesses 28 and 30, respectively. The construction of the legs 34 and 36 and the foot portions 40 and 44 joined thereto is such that upon squeezing of the legs inwardly toward each other as illustrated in FIG. 3, the projections 42 and 46 will be caused to move outwardly with respect to each other. The key ring 32 is preferably formed of a metallic material in rod form so that the legs 34 and 36 as joined to the bight portion 38 have spring flexing characteristics which normally locates the legs in the position as illustrated in FIG. 4. In this position, the projections 42 and 46 are spaced apart such that they will be received within the recesses 28 and 30 when the key ring 32 is mounted on the key tag 10. An inwardly directed force on the legs 34 and 36 causes the projections 42 and 46 to be retracted from the recesses 28 and 30 as illustrated in FIG. 3, thereby releasing the key ring 32 from the holder 12.

In use of the device, those keys indicated at 26 that are to be mounted for relative permanent use on the key ring 24 are located thereon by threading through the ends of the ring 24 in the usual manner. A key 48 that is to be removed from the holder 12 at relatively frequent intervals is mounted on the loop of the key ring 32, and the key ring 32 is then secured in place on the end portion 18 by squeezing the legs 34 and 36 inwardly until the projections 42 and 46 are in alignment with the recesses 28 and 30. Thereafter, the legs 34 and 36 are released, and the projections 42 and 46 enter the recesses 28 and 30, respectively, to mount the key ring 32 on the holder of the key tag. When it is desired to remove the key 48 from the key tag, the legs 34 and 36 are again squeezed inwardly to retract the projections 42 and 46 from the recesses 28 and 30. Thereafter the key ring 32 is removed from the key tag for use as required. It is understood that the key ring 32 may thereafter be attached to the key tag as previously described.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A key tag comprising a holder molded in a onepiece construction of a plastic material and being generally flat throughout its entire extent and without foldable portions joined thereto, said holder having flexing characteristics but being of relatively stiff construction and of sufficient thickness to resist deformation and being returnable to its original flat condition if flexed, end portions molded integrally to said holder on opposed ends thereof, a first key ring permanently mounted on one of said end portions and receiving keys for removable attachment thereto, a second key ring formed of a metallic material and including a loop portion defined by opposed legs, a bight portion and foot portions joined to said opposed legs, said foot portions having projections joined thereto that are normally located in predetermined spaced-apart relation and that are receivable in engaging relation on said other end portion for mounting said second key ring thereon, said legs having flexing characteristics that provide for detachable engagement of said projections with the other of said end portions, wherein said legs are flexed to remove said projections from engagement with the other of said end portions to separate said second key ring from said holder.

2. A key tag as set forth in claim 1, recesses formed in the other of said end portions for receiving said projections therein for removably mounting the second key ring on said holder.

3. A key tag as set forth in claim 2, said projections as formed on the foot portions of said second key ring projecting laterally inwardly toward each other in generally parallel, aligned relation, said recesses being formed in aligned relation in side walls of said other of said end portions for receiving said projections in removable relation therein.

4. A key tag as set forth in claim 3, each of the foot portions of said second key ring being joined to a leg in angular relation thereto and extending laterally inwardly, wherein the foot portions are disposed in generally overlying parallel relation in the normal unflexed position of said legs, a laterally inwardly directed force against said legs, moving said foot portions and projections joined thereto in opposite directions to release the projections from said recesses, whereby said second key ring is removable from engagement with said holder.

5. A key tag as set forth in claim 1, said projections as formed on the foot portions of said second key ring projecting laterally inwardly toward each other in generally parallel, aligned relation, and means formed in said other end portion for receiving said projections in removable relation. 

1. A key tag comprising a holder molded in a one-piece construction of a plastic material and being generally flat throughout its entire extent and without foldable portions joined thereto, said holder having flexing characteristics but being of relatively stiff construction and of sufficient thickness to resist deformation and being returnable to its original flat condition if flexed, end portions molded integrally to said holder on opposed ends thereof, a first key ring permanently mounted on one of said end portions and receiving keys for removable attachment thereto, a second key ring formed of a metallic material and including a loop portion defined by opposed legs, a bight portion and foot portions joined to said opposed legs, said foot portions having projections joined thereto that are normally located in predetermined spaced-apart relation and that are receivable in engaging relation on said other end portion for mounting said second key ring thereon, said legs having flexing characteristics that provide for detachable engagement of said projections with the other of said end portions, wherein said legs are flexed to remove said projections From engagement with the other of said end portions to separate said second key ring from said holder.
 2. A key tag as set forth in claim 1, recesses formed in the other of said end portions for receiving said projections therein for removably mounting the second key ring on said holder.
 3. A key tag as set forth in claim 2, said projections as formed on the foot portions of said second key ring projecting laterally inwardly toward each other in generally parallel, aligned relation, said recesses being formed in aligned relation in side walls of said other of said end portions for receiving said projections in removable relation therein.
 4. A key tag as set forth in claim 3, each of the foot portions of said second key ring being joined to a leg in angular relation thereto and extending laterally inwardly, wherein the foot portions are disposed in generally overlying parallel relation in the normal unflexed position of said legs, a laterally inwardly directed force against said legs, moving said foot portions and projections joined thereto in opposite directions to release the projections from said recesses, whereby said second key ring is removable from engagement with said holder.
 5. A key tag as set forth in claim 1, said projections as formed on the foot portions of said second key ring projecting laterally inwardly toward each other in generally parallel, aligned relation, and means formed in said other end portion for receiving said projections in removable relation. 